Colourful way to welcome Year of the Pig

FLAMBOYANT lion-dancing brought colour and charisma to Southport’s streets on Saturday, for Chinese New Year.

More than 100 diners from the Grand Palace on Nevill Street gathered outside the restaurant to wish each other ‘kung hey fat choi’ (happy new year) and watch the entertainment, which included impressive Kung Fu displays.

Diners also enjoyed a special New Year banquet and a fun free draw for a selection of enormous Chinese vases and planters.

Another celebratory night, with lion-dancing, will held at the restaurant again this Saturday evening.

Other Chinese restaurants across Southport are also celebrating the event.

The year 2007 is Chinese Year of the Pig, or Boar. The Year of the Pig is considered a notably auspicious time to have a baby, but this year is extra special as it is a Golden New Year, which happens only once every 60 years, marking the start of the new Chinese Lunar Calendar cycle.

Children born in the Year of the Pig are thought to be particularly fortunate with money and business.